14. One Act of Kindness

14. One Act of Kindness

It's so easy to tell something but when it comes to doing it, it's difficult. Or maybe people blabber on doing a certain thing but in reality, they aren't doing shit - sorry for the word - and actually do the opposite. Yes, I've witnessed how others boast about helping another person - would only choose the people who they'll help - but they would expect something from that person later on. 

One should not boast on the 'Good Deeds' you do. Actually, you should do something willingly than talking behind the person's back after helping them. It's absurd, These people just wants to be praised and have a red carpet on their walkway.  I'm not saying all people do such a thing, some people who tell their good deed wants to share their experience and influence others which is fine, I guess.

Growing up, I was exposed to giving small presents for those in need. When I was around six to ten years old, My family and I would drive along Paranaque City to Caloocan City. If we see a child who has ragged clothes, we’ll stop the car and one family member would come out and give the gift-wrapped toy. It’s a great feeling seeing the children have this wide smile and their parents thanking for the present.

When I was in High School, my organization would have outreach programs. We would go to a certain place and give out clothes and food. There was also a time where children from the streets was invited inside our school. Each student would be assigned to one or two children and it’s our responsibility to pack their lunch and take care of them. We would be making programs and contests, it was a very memorable day for me and my friends.

As I got to College, I learned that not every “beggar” you see should be given money. Sometimes those children you will see on the streets would give the money they have got to someone and they won’t get anything. Others would be angry and curse you if you can’t give them money – In my case, I was going to enroll for my second semester and I only had bills, no coins. – so, it’s really hard to know if it’s worth it or not.

But there was one occurrence when I was about to go home after my classes. While I was walking in front of Caltex to wait for a jeep, I saw this very old man with dirty clothes, a big sack full of clothes and the other, garbage. I had all my allowance and I was pretty sad while looking at him. He was sitting on the cement, maybe tired. I went up to him and asked if he wants some food. 

He replied, “Sure”. I wanted to be sure that when I get back, he would still be there. 
I walked to Jollibee and bought two pieces chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, chocolate sundae, coke and water. I went back and gave it to him, he was very thankful. I felt this feeling of happiness that I was able to help someone.

There was another event when I was in a Jeep, an old woman went in carrying a little girl. The old woman had this really strong smell that people who sat next to her would move at the other side. She was going to pay for their fare but the Jeepney driver said it was fine. I heard the little girl told her she’s hungry and my heartache because they really did look so dirty. I wanted to treat them food but I don’t know if she’ll approve. So, when it was my time to come down. I gave her money and then the other passengers started giving money and she was crying. I went home and when I stepped inside my house, I cried too for their life.

We’re lucky that we have a home – rent or owned -, food on the table, have the money to go to school, work, clean clothes and everything the people in the streets doesn’t have the luxury to have. We should be thankful and appreciate what we have.